Islamabad, Oct 2: Pakistan Officially elimination of Trachoma as a Public Health Threat, WHO Confirms. The World Health Organization (WHO) has officially recognized the eradication of trachoma as a public health issue in Pakistan, which is a huge accomplishment for public health.
If left untreated, trachoma, a disease brought on by the Chlamydia trachomatis bacteria, can cause irreversible blindness. Pakistan is now the 19th nation in the world to achieve this significant milestone, according to WHO.
Its accomplishment in doing so highlights the political will of the Pakistani government to promote public health, the importance of technical assistance from the World Health Organization, and the outstanding efforts of medical professionals, endemic communities, civil society, and collaborators such as Sightsavers, Christian Blind Mission, and the Fred Hollows Foundation.
This accomplishment is a major milestone in the worldwide battle to eradicate avoidable illnesses. Pakistan became the first nation to be confirmed free of the spread of the Guinea worm disease, or dracunculiasis, in 1997.
This legacy is further enhanced by the elimination of trachoma as a public health issue. This most recent triumph is but the beginning; there will be more significant successes in the future. WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus remarked, “Eliminating trachoma as a public health problem in Pakistan is a monumental achievement for the country and the global fight against the disease.””This accomplishment demonstrates the steadfast commitment of Pakistan’s healthcare professionals, many of whom operate on a community level.”
It emphasizes the value of teamwork, creative problem-solving, and a mutual commitment to a better future for everybody. I applaud Pakistan for its commitment to and achievement in preserving the dream of millions of people.
“Congratulations to Pakistan on the elimination of trachoma,” said Dr. Hanan Balkhy, Regional Director of WHO for the Eastern Mediterranean, highlighting the importance of the accomplishment. Pakistan has already eradicated two neglected tropical illnesses, inspiring the world and showcasing the nation’s commitment to public health.
WHO Representative in Pakistan Dr. Luo Dapeng said, “This is a remarkable achievement that will save thousands of people from preventable visual impairment or blindness.”Pakistan’s accomplishments demonstrate the efficacy of the WHO-recommended SAFE method for trachoma elimination, which entails trichiasis surgery, antibiotics to eradicate the illness, and improved environmental conditions and facial cleanliness to lower transmission.
The fact that trachoma has been successfully eradicated in Pakistan as a public health issue serves as a potent reminder that it is possible to control, eradicate, and eradicate a number of neglected tropical illnesses.
